Water Course
In San Francisco, California, the San Francisco International Dragon Boat Festival offers competitive racing on the water. As a motorsport racing event, it promises thrilling action. With McCovey Cove and San Francisco Bay as its backdrop, this festival features dragon boat racing with international teams. Call ahead for the current schedule to plan your visit.
Dragon BoatMcCovey CoveInternational TeamsCompetitive RacingSan Francisco Bay
Watch: San Francisco International Dragon Boat Festival
Know Before You Go
- Race schedule
- Powerboat venues typically host race weekends 3-8 times per season under APBA, OPC, or local sanction. Check the calendar — most weeks are open practice or quiet.
- Spectator access
- Shore-line viewing from a beach or pier is the standard vantage. Bring polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, and a chair — boat racing is a sunny stand-around sport.
- Class variety
- Look for tunnel boats, hydroplanes, jet boats, and offshore depending on water size. Race speeds range from 60 mph (small inland) to 180+ mph (offshore unlimited).